The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), has approved the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Scheme of Service. This marks a major institutional reform and the first time the Commission will operate with a dedicated career and administrative framework. The approval is described as a significant milestone, ending years of operating without a tailored scheme guiding staff structure, progression, and professional standards.
Details of the New Scheme of Service
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, the development reflects ongoing reforms within the Commission aimed at strengthening its operational capacity and human resource management system. The new Scheme of Service provides a structured framework for NIMC’s operations, clearly defining staff cadres, promotion pathways, job descriptions, qualification requirements, and professional standards. It also aligns the Commission’s internal processes with existing Public Service Rules and international best practices.
At the formal presentation of the approved document, the Deputy Director, Scheme of Service, Organisational Design Department at the OHCSF, Mr. Imirhe Gabriel Nwagolo, commended NIMC for what he described as a strong commitment to institutional reform and service improvement. He noted that the Commission now joins a limited number of federal agencies that have successfully secured approval for a dedicated Scheme of Service, describing it as a step that would improve efficiency and strengthen career progression within the organisation.
Impact on NIMC Operations
In his remarks, Nwagolo stressed the importance of clear structures in public institutions, adding that the new framework would help align staff roles with the Commission’s expanding mandate in Nigeria’s identity management system. The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, was represented at the ceremony by the Head of Human Capital Management, Mrs. Rhoda Jackden, who expressed appreciation to the OHCSF for granting approval to the Commission. She described the development as “a laudable and significant milestone” in the history of NIMC and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to fully implement the new structure.
According to her, the Scheme of Service will strengthen institutional discipline, improve staff welfare systems, and provide clearer pathways for career advancement within the Commission. The approved framework also introduces new operational cadres, including Enrolment, Card, and Commercial cadres, in addition to existing professional categories within the organisation. Officials explained that the introduction of these cadres is designed to reflect the expanding scope of NIMC’s responsibilities, particularly in identity enrolment, card management, and commercial service functions linked to the national identity database.
Broader Reform Agenda
The Commission said the reform is in line with its broader transformation agenda under its Director-General and aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises institutional efficiency, service delivery, and human capital development. This approval is expected to enhance NIMC's capacity to effectively manage Nigeria's identity ecosystem, ensuring better service delivery to citizens and stakeholders.
